A study on the microbial transformation of glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) was conducted by a fungus, Cunninghamella blakesleeana CGMCC 3.970 systematically. After incubation with the cell cultures of C. blakesleeana CGMCC 3.970 at 25 degrees C for 7 days on a rotary shaker operating at 135 r x min(-1), GA was converted into one major product and five minor products. The products were extracted and purified by solvent extraction, macroporous adsorbent resin, silica gel column chromatography, and semi-preparative RP-HPLC chromatography. Their structures were identified as 3-oxo-15α-hydroxy-18β-glycyrrhetinic acid(1), 3-oxo-15β-hydroxy-18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (2), 7β,15α-dihydroxy-18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (3), 3-oxo-7β, 15α-dihydroxy-18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (4), 7β-hydroxy-18β-glycyrrhetinic acid(5) and 15α-hydroxy-18β-glycyrrhetinic acid(6) by the analyses of MS, 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR spectroscopic data respectively. Among them, 2 was a new compound. These results suggest that C. blakesleeana CGMCC 3.970 has the capability of selective ketonization and hydroxylation for GA. [Key words] glycyrrhetinic acid; Cunninghamella blakesleeana CGMCC 3. 970; microbial transformation
Biotransformation ; Cunninghamella ; metabolism ; Glycyrrhetinic Acid ; analogs & derivatives ; chemistry ; metabolism ; Molecular Structure ; Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization

The aim of this study was to develop the data element standard directory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) clinical pharmacy information, to provide application standards and models of TCM clinical pharmacy for the electronic medical record (EMR). The developed line of work is as follows: initially establish research through four forms: literature analysis, questionnaires, discussion groups, expert advice. The research range from the Chinese herbal medicine research, herbal origin, harvesting, processing, identification of traits, physical and chemical identification, modern research, character, taste, Indications, clinical application, processing, dispensing medicine, Chinese medicine specifications, usage, dosage, caution, efficacy indications to small packaging applications, drug research, management and other related issues, including traditional Chinese medicine theory, application and hospital management information; according to the general and part 16 content of the national "Health Information Data Element Standards", and the basic method of extracting data element to study and develop the data element of TCM clinical pharmacy information from the defining content. Correspondingly propose the ideas and methods of construction of the "Data Element Standard Directory of TCM Clinical Pharmacy Information", sort out medicine clinical information data element standard catalog, divided into basic categories, clinical application class, management class three parts, and set norms and standards of identifying data elements, definitions, allowable value of traditional Chinese medicine clinical information, and discuss the sources and standards of information collection, leaving the interface, standardized and scientific terminology, docking with the existing standards, maintenance and management program and oter issues.
China ; Data Mining ; methods ; statistics & numerical data ; Database Management Systems ; standards ; statistics & numerical data ; Electronic Health Records ; standards ; statistics & numerical data ; Evidence-Based Medicine ; methods ; statistics & numerical data ; Humans ; Information Dissemination ; methods ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; methods ; Phytotherapy ; methods ; statistics & numerical data

OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of rat mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) transfected with different oncogenes differentiate into hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in vitro.

METHODSMSCs, transfected with different oncogenes c-myc, K-ras, c-myc and K-ras and amplified in vitro, were infused into rats via vena portae. The recipient rats were divided into the hepatic impairment group, which were fed with tetrachloromethane and the healthy control group. At day 7, 14, 21, 28 and 42 following grafting, the complete livers were obtained and examined using fluorescence detection, conventional pathology and immunohistochemistry detection of GFP, c-kit and AFP to study the colonization and distribution of stem cells in rat liver.

RESULTSNo immunological rejection occurred after grafting of allogenic MSCs. The infused MSCs colonized in the recipient rat liver. Liver tumors were present in 6 rats grafted with MSCs that were transfected with K-ras, K-ras and c-myc, and the protein expression of AFP was detected using immunocytochemistry at day 7. Rats grafted with MSCs that were transfected with c-myc gene had no obvious tuberosity or tumor. Small oval cells were found microscopically in the periphery of vena portae, and immunohistochemistry staining of AFP was negative. Immunohistochemical staining of c-kit was positive in all livers of rats that were transfected with MSCs.

CONCLUSIONSHepatocellular carcinoma may derive from genetically mutated MSCs.

Animals ; Bone Marrow Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; metabolism ; pathology ; Cell Differentiation ; Cells, Cultured ; Female ; Genes, myc ; genetics ; Genes, ras ; genetics ; Genetic Vectors ; genetics ; Green Fluorescent Proteins ; genetics ; metabolism ; Liver ; metabolism ; pathology ; Liver Neoplasms, Experimental ; metabolism ; pathology ; Male ; Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation ; Mesenchymal Stromal Cells ; cytology ; metabolism ; Microscopy, Fluorescence ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Transfection

0.05).(3)The average CTDIvol values were 60?5 mGy,88?10 mGy for 2C_2 and NC_2(C_2)groups,respectively.The corresponding ED values were(12.3?1.0)and(18.0?2.0)mSv,respectively.The CTDIvol and ED values for 2C_2 group were about 32% lower than those of NC_2 group and were statistically significant with P

Objective To explore the effect of recovery sleep on the executive function after 36 h of total sleep deprivation by event related potential technology.Methods Thirteen healthy male college students participated in two trials. At the first trial normal sleep as control was investigated. At the second trial participants experienced 36 h of sleep deprivation and then accepted 8 h recovery sleep. In each trial six Go/Nogo tests were employed to test the executive control function and the ERP data were recorded. Results There was no statistical difference in behavior and ERP results at each time point as the subjects had normal sleep. After 36 h of sleep deprivation, the behavior results were statistically significant when compared to the baseline. The amplitude and latency of Nogo-N2, Nogo-P3 on Fz electrode, the amplitude and latency of Nogo-P3 on Cz electrode showed statistical significance when compared to the baseline. After 8 h recovery sleep, the average correct reaction time and the Go correct reaction rate had statistical significance compared to 36 h value. The amplitude of Nogo-N2 and Nogo-P3 had no statistical significance compared to the baseline.However,it was of statistical significance[(-6.80 3.95)vs(-3.37 2.63)μV,(10.63±6.62)vs(5.63±5.45)μV,(9.49±7.37)vs(6.08±6.56)μV] compared to 36 h value. The latency of the recovery value of Nogo-N2 and Nogo-P3 was statistically significant[(254.14±15.55)vs(243.08±13.97)ms(382.14±41.07)vs(349.17±30.36)ms,(369.86±26.48)vs(347.48±29.24)ms]compared to the baseline.Conclusion As the time of sleep deprivation is prolonged, the executive function is impaired and the executive function is not completely recovered after 8 h recovery sleep.

OBJECTIVETo investigate the protective effects of oxymatrine on chronic heart failure induced by isoproterenol (ISO) and to observe its effects on ADMA metabolism pathway in ISO-induced chronic heart failure in rats.

METHODMale Sprague-Dawley rats were given oxymatrine (100,50 mg kg-1) orally for 14 days. Heart failure was induced in rats by subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol (5 mg kg-1 d-1 ) at the 8th day for 1 week. Serum parameters, haemodynamic parameters, Heart weight, and histopathological variables were analysed. Expression of protein levels were measured by Western blot.

RESULTOxymatrine (100,50 mg kg-1) significantly attenuated serum content of cTn I, improved left ventricle systolic and diastolic function and left ventricular remodeling, reduced the ISO-induced myocardial pathological changes compared with ISO group. In addition, oxymatrine (100,50 mg kg-1) significantly reduced serum level of ADMA (P <0. 01), normalize the reduced dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase 2 (DDAH2) expression (P <0. 01) , but had no effect on the isoproterenol-induced upregulated protein arginine methyltransferases 1 expression.

CONCLUSIONOxymatrine could ameliorate the experimental ventricular remodeling in ISO-induced chronic heart failure in rats and the mechanism involved in reducing serum content of ADMA and increased DDAH2 expression.

Alkaloids ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Amidohydrolases ; metabolism ; Animals ; Arginine ; analogs & derivatives ; blood ; metabolism ; Chronic Disease ; Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic ; drug effects ; Heart Failure ; drug therapy ; metabolism ; pathology ; physiopathology ; Hemodynamics ; drug effects ; Isoproterenol ; adverse effects ; Male ; Organ Size ; drug effects ; Quinolizines ; pharmacology ; therapeutic use ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Troponin I ; metabolism

OBJECTIVETo analyze the penetrance of Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) individuals with mitochondrial DNA 11778 mutation in Shanxi.

METHODSAllele-specific PCR was used to detect mtDNA 11778 mutation in LHON patients and their families.

RESULTSIn 17 families of the 30 families that harbored mtDNA 11778 mutation, only the probands were LHON patients. In the other 13 families, besides the probands, 72 maternal relatives carried mtDNA 11778 mutation.

CONCLUSIONThe penetrance of LHON individuals with mtDNA 11778 mutation in the Shanxi area is 55.6%.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Child ; DNA, Mitochondrial ; genetics ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mutation ; Optic Atrophy, Hereditary, Leber ; genetics ; Penetrance

Objective To evaluate the characteristics of 99Tcm-ciprofloxacin and explore its feasibility in early detection of secondary infectious foci of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP).Methods Ciprofloxacin was labeled with 99Tcm.The labeling efficiency and radiochemical purity of 99Tcm-ciprofloxacin were calculated and its biodistribution in normal pigs was measured.The recruited baby pigs were divided into three groups:normal control group (6), non-infected group (6) and infected group (16).370-400 MBq of 99Tcm-ciprofloxacin was injected into each pig intravenously.SPECT scanning was performed at 0.5, 1,2, 3, 4 and 6 h after administration.The differences of 99Tcm-ciprofloxacin uptake among groups were calculated and the tracer activity ratio of lesion-to-background was recorded at each time point.The diagnostic value of 99Tcm-ciprofloxacin SPECT imaging for the dectection of secondary infection of SAP was assessed using histopathological results as the gold standard.Variance analysis and least significant difference test were used to analyze the data.Results Both the labehing efficiency and radiochemical purity of 99Tcm-ciprofloxacin were over 90% within 6 h.Organs with rich blood supply, such as kidney, liver and spleen were the target organs for the accumulation of 99Tcm-ciprofloxacin; while no significant uptake was found in gastrointestinal tract or normal pancreas tissue of SAP.Rapid plasma clearance and renal excretion were observed.In the infected group, the lesion was visualized at 1 h after administration.The highest radioactivity ratio of lesion-to-background (3.36 ± 0.33) was at 3 h after administration, which was significantly higher than that of the other time point ( F =99.570, P ＜0.001 ).The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, Youden's index (YI) and Kappa value of 99Tc%ciprofloxacin imaging were 88.2% (15/17), 83.3% (5/6), 93.8% ( 15/16), 71.4% (5/7), 0.715 and 0.667 respectively.Conclusions The biodistribution of99Tcm-ciprofloxacin is suitable for imaging infectious focus of SAP.The optimal imaging time for the detection of secondary infection of SAP is 3 h after administration, with high sensitivity and specificity.

Objective To survey the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value and fractional anisotropy (FA) value ofpontine cistern section of the trigeminal nerve, and understand the characteristics of various parameters of trigeminal nerve pontine cistern section. Methods The distances from pontine cistern section of the trifacial nerve to 0, 3, 6 and 9 mm of brain stem in 50 healthy volunteers were recorded, and fusion images of magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) with B-TFE or THRIVE were achieved to improve the spatial resolution of the pontine cistern section of the trifacial nerve; their ADC value and FA value were recorded, separately. Tracing image formation was noted in the pontine cistern section of the trigeminal or trifacial nerve. Results The ADC and FA results of the left side and right flank of pontine cistern section of the trifacial nerve in these healthy volunteers were not statistically different (P＜0.05). The closer to the brain stem, the more asymmetrical tendency of distance from pontine cistern section of the trifacial nerve to 0, 3, 6 and 9 mm of brain stem between both sides. DTI indicated that the ADC values between each 2 distances from pontine cistern section of the trifacial nerve to 0, 3, 6 and 9 mum of brain stem between both sides were significantly different: the ADC values increased along with the distance elevating gradually, but rotated suddenly at the line of 6-9 mm. The FA value increased in 0-6 mm along with the distance reducing gradually, and the neighboring 2 distances had remarkably statistical difference, but the FA value no longer obviously changed from the line of 6-9 mm. Conclusion DTI can distinguish the two-sided trigeminal nerve brain pond section clearly, and may realize each item of DTI. Regular changes are noted in FA and ADC values along with the different distances from pontine cistern section of the trifacial nerve to 0, 3, 6 and 9 mm of brain stem,indicating that DTI enjoys perspective in being clear about the discrimination of cranial nerve CNS section, the change-over portion and the PNS section, and in detecting the cranial nerve vascular compression.

OBJECTIVELeptin is an adipocyte-derived hormone regulating body weight and energy balance in animals and human being. Although the physiological functions of leptin in human are still unclear, its secretion is closely related to fat mass and energy expenditure in both adults and children. This study investigated whether the plasma leptin level was reduced in connection with the weight loss during the neonatal period and try to find out the role of leptin in body weight regulation and energy balance of premature infants.

METHODSThe radioimmunoassay was used to determine the plasma leptin concentration. The first blood samples were obtained at the delivered, and then collected the samples every two days until the infants' body weight recovered to the birth weight or above. At the same time, the essential fluid and energy for the patients were supplied to keep their physiological functions. One person was appointed to take responsibility to examine the body weight, body length and head circumference. Then computed out their Kaup index from the first day to the seventh or twelfth day.

RESULTSA total of 26 premature infants were selected into the study, of which 14 cases were male and 12 female, and their gestational age ranged from 30 to 36 weeks. There was a significantly positive correlation between the premature newborns' body weight loss and their plasma leptin levels (the 1st day: n = 26, r = 0.766; the 3rd day: n = 26, r = 0.636; the 5th day: n = 26, r = 0.629; the 7th day: n = 26, r = 0.717; the 9th-12th day: n = 24, r = 0.587; P < 0.01). The time of body weight loss and the plasma leptin level which declined to extremely low were positively correlated. (r = 0.611, P < 0.01). The time when body weight loss declined to extremely low in 26 premature infants ranged form the 3rd to the 9th day after birth [(5.2 +/- 1.6) day], and that of the plasma leptin levels ranged form the 3rd to the 8th day after birth (4.7 +/- 1.4) day. The maximal ranges of the body weight loss and the plasma leptin decrease in 26 premature infants were (6.5 +/- 3.0)% and (59.6 +/- 11.3)%, respectively. In addition, there were significantly positive correlations among the plasma leptin level, the premature newborns' body length (the 1st day: n = 26, r = 0.609, P < 0.01; the 3rd day: n = 26, r = 0.419, P < 0.05; the 5th day: n = 26, r = 0.583, P < 0.01; the 7th day: n = 26, r = 0.626, P < 0.01; the 9th-12th day: n = 24, r = 0.482; P < 0.05), and the Kaup index (the 1st day: n = 26, r = 0.634; the 3rd day: n = 26, r = 0.534; the 5th day: n = 26, r = 0.542; the 7th day: n = 26, r = 0.611; the 9th-12th day: n = 24, r = 0.539; P < 0.01). Although the head circumference correlated positively with the plasma leptin level at the first week after the delivery (the 1st day: n = 26, r = 0.580, P < 0.01; the 3rd day: n = 26, r = 0.417, P < 0.05; the 5th day: n = 26, r = 0.426; P < 0.01). There was a lower correlation between them one week after the delivery (the 7th day: n = 26, r = 0.369; the 9th-12th day: n = 24, r = 0.323; P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONThere was a significantly positive correlation between the plasma leptin level and the premature newborns weight loss. Leptin may participate in the regulation of energy balance and body weight of premature infants during neonatal life. Leptin may play an important role in growth and development of premature infants.

Body Weight ; physiology ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant, Premature ; Leptin ; blood ; Radioimmunoassay ; Time Factors ; Weight Loss ; physiology